Be Better Than You Were Yesterday.

Different Starts NOW.

All,

As we collectively climb out of the holiday hangover and look forward to a new year, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share some observations that were shared with me over the past few days.

There seems to be an underlying theme to the conversations I’ve had post-Christmas with friends, family and clients, the majority of whom are feeling a sense of letdown – not from a high, but rather from an excessive output of energy.

“I feel like there was so much prep, excitement and anticipation, and now it’s all over,” said one.

“There is no reason for me to be this tired, but I am…” said another.

“I’m just glad it’s officially in the rearview mirror,” said a third.

It was hard for me to ignore the defeatism. Especially because I felt it myself. Empty and exhausted, despite my attempts to start early and soak up the most of the season.

Or perhaps it was because of them. Yet another example of the misguided notion that more results in more.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot in the past 48 hours. Largely because I cannot help but acknowledge that there’s a parallel between how we approach the holidays (“I’m going to make everyone happy and do so in ways that are perfect and appreciated…or else!”) and how we’re living our day-to-day lives.

So as we begin to bid adieu to 2018 and look forward to another trip around the sun, I’m offering a not-so-passive rally call for us to change – for real – the way we’re approaching our time on this earth.

To be clear, this is not a push to form New Year’s Resolutions, or any other goal that’s lacking substance and is not aligned with a greater, overall mission to fuel your own personal good.

No, quite the contrary, my wish for us involves the institution of real change. Of saying “no” when we need to and “yes” when we’re unsure of the outcome. Of taking the types of risks that have big payoffs. Not the ones that jeopardize our health.

To be honest, I’m not positive where to begin with this process. But I think that speaking up to say something has got to give is a damn good start.

So I hope you’re with me. Because it’s going to take an army.

And it’s going to be B&B’s mission for 2019 and beyond to figure it out.